Camshaft Position Sensor

The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is a permanent magnet output coil device that operates within a 5-volt DC reference range, and monitors the speed and position of the camshaft. A reluctor is attached directly to the camshaft, and is used to generate a digital signal as it passes the magnetic coil; the alternating lines of magnetic flux are used by the sensor to produce a digital pulse. The CMP signal is used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to calculate ignition timing, firing order, fuel injector timing, and misfire diagnostics.

Removal & Installation

3.3L & 3.8L Engines

Specific to:

Chrysler Town & Country 2008-2009

Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2009

Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable at the battery.

Remove the air box cover and inlet tube.

Disconnect the camshaft position sensor electrical connector from the wiring harness connector.

Remove the sensor bolt.

Rotate the sensor away from the block.

Pull the sensor up out of the chain case cover. Do not pull on the sensor wiring. There is an O-ring on the body of the sensor. The O-ring may make removal difficult. A light tap to the top of the sensor prior to removal may reduce the force needed for removal.

Fig. Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor location-4.0L engine

To install:

If the removed sensor is to be reinstalled, clean off the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW SPACER must be attached to the face before installation. Inspect the O-ring for damage, replace if necessary.

If the sensor is being replaced, confirm that the paper spacer is attached to the face and the O-ring is positioned in the groove of the new sensor.

Apply a couple drops of clean engine oil to the O-ring prior to installation.

Install the sensor in the chain case cover and rotate it into position.

Push the sensor down until contact is made with the camshaft gear. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 125 inch lbs. (14 Nm).

Connect the camshaft position sensor electrical connector to the harness connector.

Refer to the Electrical Wiring Diagram for component and connector locations, connector views, and circuit-specific information.

CMP Circuit Testing

Specific to:

Chrysler Town & Country 2008-2009

Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2009

Use a suitable scan tool or a Graphing Multi-Meter (GMM) in order to view the CMP data.

CMP Sensor logic is based on alternating lines of magnetic flux which generate a digital ON/OFF signal to the PCM, and are based on the speed and position of the camshaft .

Verify that the engine timing components (timing belt, timing chain, or timing gears) are properly installed, and that there is no foreign material obstructing the path between the reluctor and the CMP sensor. If any engine mechanical faults are evident, locate and repair as required before continuing.

A Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM) may be used to verify the condition of the wiring: additional information may be acquired by taking measurements at the sensor connector as well as the PCM connector. If significant resistance is measured (greater than 5 ohms) is measured, check the wiring harness and connections for corrosion, poor pin connections, or damaged wires.

If all engine wiring and pin connections are confirmed, disconnect the CMP Sensor to verify the signal with a GMM, and verify PCM communication before replacing the CMP Sensor.

Fig. CMP Sensor Range Chart

CMP Sensor Strategy

Specific to:

Chrysler Town & Country 2008-2009

Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2009

The CMP Sensor provides a digital input signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for a number of engine control system calculations. The CMP signal is compared with the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) and Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) for measured operating conditions, and the Pulse Width Modulation pattern is used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to calculate ignition timing, firing order, fuel injector timing, and misfire diagnostics.

CMP Sensor feedback patterns vary according to the reluctor configuration and PCM logic. While most models use a single tooth for Top Dead Center (TDC), others may use multiple reluctor teeth for additional positions of camshaft rotation, which may include one per cylinder, or 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° respectively.

Connection & Wiring Diagnosis

Specific to:

Chrysler Town & Country 2008-2009

Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2009

Refer to the Electrical Wiring Diagram for component and connector locations, connector views, and circuit-specific information.

Many intermittent open or short circuits may be caused by wiring harness and connector movement due to vibration, engine torque, bumps and rough pavement, etc.

Test the wiring harness and connectors by performing the following tests:

Move the related connectors and wiring while monitoring the appropriate scan tool data.

Move the related connectors and wiring with the component commanded ON and OFF. Using a suitable the scan tool, observe the component operation.

With the engine running, move the related connectors and wiring while monitoring component operation.

If harness or connector movement affects the data displayed, the component and system operation, or the engine operation, inspect and repair the harness or connections as necessary.

Test the connector terminal pins and/or wiring by performing the following tests:

Inspect for incorrect mating of the connector halves, or terminals not fully seated in the connector body.

Inspect for improperly formed or damaged terminals and test for incorrect terminal tension.

Inspect for poor terminal to wire connections including terminals crimped over insulation. This requires removing the terminal from the connector body.

Inspect for corrosion or water intrusion. Pierced or damaged insulation can allow moisture to enter the wiring. The conductor can corrode inside the insulation with little visible evidence. Look for swollen and/or brittle sections of wire in the suspect circuits.

Inspect for wires that are broken inside the insulation by gently pulling on suspect sections of wiring.